The answer is yes! Walnuts can go bad, unlike shelf-stable foods like rice or dried beans, because they have naturally unsaturated fats.
Although walnuts are beneficial to your health, they are susceptible to the chemical process of oxidation.
Oxidation is exposure to excess amounts of oxygen, heat, and light that will cause the natural oils in the walnut to break down.
How Long Do Walnuts Last?
Ultimately, how long walnuts last depends on how you store them. It’s recommended to store them in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer, lasting anywhere from 2 months to 2 years.
How To Know if Walnuts Have Gone Bad
Luckily, it’s very easy to recognize when walnuts have gone bad.
- Sour Odor
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Bitter Taste
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Discoloration or Mold
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Rubbery Texture
Benefits of Fresh Walnuts
When stored properly, walnuts are packed with nutrients and vitamins!
The health benefits come from omega-3 fatty acids to improve heart health, plant-based protein for muscle growth, and dietary fiber for digestive processing.
At Earthside Farms, we agree that the best snacks are the freshest, especially for walnuts!
Therefore, if you’re looking for a new way to snack, we recommend our Banana Bread Walnuts! They are stored in small packages for on-the-go, or our bigger resealable packages so you don’t have to worry about your walnuts going bad!